It is not optional to link the Aadhaar card and the PAN card because the Indian government has made this mandatory for every Indian. This is important if you earn, invest or file taxes in India. The delay is still practised by a lot of people who think that the process is an enigma or a time-consuming process. But in reality, it is a very simple process. As soon as the correct steps are known, the process will be easy and speedy.
Through this blog, you will get a clear idea of how to link an Aadhaar card with a PAN card online, why it is important, and what to do if you face problems.
Table of Contents
Why Aadhaar and PAN linking are Important?
A PAN card helps the government to track financial transactions, and an Aadhaar card helps verify identity. When both are linked, it becomes easier to prevent tax evasion and misuse of PAN cards.
If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, it may become inactive. An inactive PAN can create problems while filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, or making investments.
This is the reason why every Indian taxpayer should connect them in time.
Who needs to link Aadhaar card with PAN card?
Anyone who has a PAN card and an Aadhaar card must complete the linking process. This rule applies to salaried employees, business owners, freelancers, and investors.
Although you may not be subject to the income tax bracket, you will still need to link to activate your PAN card.
Things to keep ready before linking
You have to keep your PAN card, Aadhaar card and mobile number when you begin the process. One has to have an Aadhaar card connected to the mobile number to get an OTP.
Ensure both documents have the same name, date of birth and gender. Misalignments of a small detail may result in linking failure.
How to link the Aadhaar card with the PAN card online?
The most convenient and quickest approach is the online one. Visit the official income tax e-filing portal and select the Aadhaar-PAN linking option.
Kindly enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers. Authenticate the information and submit the request. You will be sent an OTP to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Input the OTP in order to accomplish the process. After the authentication, the portal displays a confirmation message.
This is an effective way approached by the majority of individuals, and it does not require a lot of time.
Checking the status of Aadhaar PAN
Once it has been requested, you may check the linking status online. Select the option to check the Aadhaar-PAN link status through the same portal.
Provide PAN and Aadhaar number. The system displays the success, pending, and failure of the linking.
This is to ensure that you are certain that your PAN is active.
What to do if linking fails?
Linking can become unsuccessful because of the incompatibility of details. The most prevalent problem is the difference in names on the PAN card and the Aadhaar card.
In this instance, you will be required to revise information either in PAN or Aadhaar. When the matching has been done, you may re-try linking again.
Failure is also sometimes brought about by OTP problems. The best solution to this problem is to wait and re-attempt.
Is a fee charged for linking Aadhaar with PAN?
There is a small amount of fee that the government can charge in case of linking after the due date. The number and regulations can vary, and thus it is better to get the work done in time.
It is still worth paying a small fee as compared to an inactive PAN.
What is the time required to link Aadhaar PAN?
In a majority of situations, linking occurs immediately. There are some that require several days in the event of verification.
The status can always be checked online to keep up-to-date.
Can you link Aadhaar and PAN offline?
Yes! An offline method is also available. You can go to the PAN service centre and file a linking request form.
Nevertheless, online connection is the most convenient for the majority of people.
Common mistakes people make
A large amount of the population provides wrong Aadhaar numbers or PAN. Others use a mobile number that is not associated with Aadhaar.
The other error that usually happens is the negligence of the name mismatch. Always correct details before linking to avoid repeated failures.
Advantages of Linking Aadhaar with PAN
Linking guarantees easy filing of taxes and quicker refunds. It assists in keeping your financial identity safe.
It also streamlines the KYC procedures of banks and investment platforms.
When your PAN card and Aadhaar are linked, there is no necessity to think about PAN deactivation.
What will occur in case PAN is inactive?
There is no possibility of an inactive PAN being used to file income tax returns or even to conduct high-value transactions.
Banks can deny an application to open an account. Investment platforms can prohibit trading activities.
This is the reason why the linking between Aadhaar and PAN can never be postponed.
Tips to avoid last-minute issues
Complete the linking well before deadlines. Double-check details before submitting them.
Save confirmation messages or screenshots for future reference.
Keep your Aadhaar mobile number active to receive OTPs easily.
Summary
Knowing how to link an Aadhaar card to a PAN card online is a way of avoiding unnecessary stress. When it is done properly and at the right time, it is an easy procedure.
In case you are not yet linked to your Aadhaar and PAN, then do so now. A couple of minutes of work today will save you a big pay tomorrow.
